Edible Arrangements International Taps Blacktop as Agency of Record for Local Store Marketing Efforts

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - Jan 29, 2013) -  Blacktop (http://blacktopcreative.com), the brand experience firm and Partner Company to Kansas City-based advertising agency Barkley (www.barkleyus.com), today announced that it has been named Edible Arrangements' Agency of Record for the brand's local store marketing efforts. The team will provide creative to support recommended PR and advertising strategy, in addition to radio content and events related to the region.

Blacktop is the first agency to receive this assignment, which was previously handled internally.

"With the recent opening of our 1,000^th location, we realized the need to expand our advertising efforts on a local store level," said Edible Arrangements® CMO Steve Thomas. "This new partnership with Blacktop is a testament to our growth as the pioneer and leader in hand-crafted fresh fruit arrangements and our commitment to the success of our franchisees within their communities."

Blacktop will be tasked with applying their brand experience expertise to foster relationships, working across multiple channels including radio, outdoor and digital advertisements and captaining events to build up the Edible Arrangements brand.

"We are incredibly excited to partner with Edible Arrangements and look forward to what we can accomplish together," said Shawn Polowniak, President, Blacktop. "Their unique product and culture provides us with the inspiration and foundation to create the new and interesting local marketing initiatives that they are looking for."

The announcement follows strong creative momentum for Blacktop, with recent work including H&R Block, Hallmark and wojo packaging.

About Blacktop
Blacktop is a brand experience firm. We connect people to brands by crafting meaningful experiences that differentiate brands, build relationships, create brand advocates and ultimately drive success. Every communication touch point you produce shapes your brand experience. At Blacktop, we believe that through brand experiences we create the most impactful brand story.

To learn more about creating engaging brand experiences contact Shawn Polowniak or look us up online at http://blacktopcreative.com

About Barkley
Barkley believes that creativity and innovation can change the world. As the nation's largest employee-owned advertising agency, they are fiercely independent and committed to adding GOOD. Barkley's goal is to help build the biggest future possible for their clients. They provide fully integrated advertising services as well as specialized services through four partner companies: Crossroads, PR and Cause Marketing; Blacktop, Branding and Design; Barkley REI, Interactive Marketing; and Grenadier, Strategic and Creative. For more information, please visit http://barkleyus.com

About Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements International, LLC is the leading purveyor of delicious, high-quality, artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements that are practical and healthy gifts and centerpieces for everyday occasions and events. Edible Arrangements® is made up of more than 1100 locally owned and operated franchised locations worldwide. More information about Edible Arrangements® is available at 1-877-363-7848 or online at www.ediblearrangements.com.